Former police chief Donohue selected for city council seat

Councilmember Lee Donohue

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Honolulu City Council has selected former HPD chief Lee Donohue to represent East Oahu in City Council District Four. Donohue replaces Charles Djou, who was elected to Congress last month in a special election.

Council Chair Todd Apo made the announcement just after 11:00 AM Wednesday and Donohue was sworn in a few minutes later. He was immediately called into action as the council voted on the city's budget. He voted to approve the $1.8 billion budget, but abstained on a measure to increase property taxes on non-occupant residential owners.

"Chief Donohue is very well versed on city issues, especially as they relate to public safety, and I know he will be a fair and independent voice representing his constituents in the district" said Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann.

Donohue, a 40-year veteran of HPD, was chief from 1998 to 2004. He put himself in the running for the open council seat along with 26 others, some well known and some obscure. The council narrowed the list to five candidates last week. Donohue was chosen over Djou's pick, Jonathan Lai and several veteran politicians.

"I wish Lee Donohue well in filling my seat. This was a decision by the City Council and I respect their choice. I look forward to working with Mr. Donohue and the rest of the Council in the best interests of the people of Honolulu" said Representative Djou.

The seat became available when former councilmember Charles Djou won a special election to become representative for Hawaii's First Congressional District in Congress. Since the general election is less than a year away, council rules allow the remaining members of the council to choose a replacement member for the interim.

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